Shopping for a dog who doesn't shed, at least profusely?
Allow me to put my personal favorite (our family pet, pictured at left) at No. 1, along with adding a caveat for it and many of the dogs listed below:
Minimal shedding does not equal minimal maintenance – quite the contrary. Because they don’t shed, many of these dogs have coats that require regular brushing if mats are to be avoided.
A beard is one indicator that you will need to do some regular grooming. But the ritual can be almost as meditative as yoga, one that both master and dog come to enjoy. Or not.
In any case, minimal shedding often implies hypoallergenic, because dogs that shed less produce less dander, the dead skin cells that are the real trigger for allergic reactions. Good options for allergy sufferers are hairless breeds, including the Chinese Crested, which has been rising in popularity, as well as the hairless variety of the Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced show-low-eats-queen-tlee), or Xolo, for short. Note that no dog is 100 percent non-shedding or hypoallergenic, and that the predictability decreases with mixed breeds, even if they are one part poodle. So dig a bit deeper if you have an allergy sufferer in your midst.
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier. As the name implies, it’s prized for its silken coat.
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier. As the name implies, it’s prized for its silken coat.
Portuguese Water Dog. Remember the Obamas chose this breed because of daughter Malia’s allergies. Its popularity has been consistently rising.
Bichon Frise. 38th in AKC popularity.
Bedlington Terrier. Rising in popularity.
Poodle. 8th in AKC popularity.
Schnauzer. The Miniature is the 13th most popular breed according to the AKC; the Standard’s popularity has been rising too.
Kerry Blue Terrier. If we had a second dog, this breed or the Portuguese Water Dog would be my husband’s choice.
Irish Water Spaniel. Its unique appearance includes liver-colored curly coat and signature “rat tail.”
Lots of other popular breeds are considered low-shedding dogs, including the Yorkshire Terrier (No. 6 in AKC popularity), Dachshund (No. 10), Shih Tzu (No. 11) and Maltese (No. 25).
By Wendy Donahue for American Dog Club
About American Dog Club: Our mission is to provide world class puppies that set the standard of excellence. We are passionate about our obligation to our puppies and customers. Our goal is to help you connect with the right special puppy. All our puppies are selected personally from our experienced puppy specialist to insure health, temperament and quality. All of our puppies will be AKC registered at time of purchase and a free vet package is provided. Each and every potential parent must receive a 45 minute orientation on the care, feeding and housebreaking of your new baby. We offer support and training to properly care for your new family member. American Dog Club does not support puppy mills, hobby or back yard breeders.